Better Coordination of Transportation and Housing Programs to Promote Affordable Housing Near Transit

摘要

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is increasingly recognized as having the potential to improve the quality of life for American households, by creating vibrant, livable communities in proximity to transit. Improved access to transit can reduce transportation costs for working families and mitigate the negative impacts of automobile travel on the environment and the economy. The need for a mix of housing types that is affordable to a range of family incomes in proximity to transit is an important policy concern at all levels of government, including the federal government. Through its policies and investments, the federal government can help shape opportunities at the regional and local level to meet the growing demand for affordable housing near transit. Congress has directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to address this issue. The House Committee on Appropriations, in its Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Committee Report, stated that the Committee strongly believes that transportation, housing, and energy can no longer be viewed as completely separate spheres with little or no coordination throughout the different levels of government, and has directed FTA and HUD to better coordinate public transportation and housing policies and programs. Better planning and coordination on the federal, state and local levels can ensure that affordable housing is located closer to public transportation and employment centers.